DON'T HAVE A SUBJECT FOR THIS ENTRY (LOL)

Pops and I had been involved in a bit of a spat (we're both tired and stressed from Ike); we didn't speak to each other for two days.  Today, he came home with one of those "I-know-I-don't-say-it-often-but-I-love-you cards, and a dozen mauve-colored roses.  Aren't they beautiful?

My husband sure knows how to treat a girl.  LOL  What I love about them is that this is one of the colors that I used for our wedding (cream and mauve).  I didn't think he remembered!

I had taken care of Angela's school situation.  For her safety (since I don't know who's reading this journal, you know what I'm saying?), I will not disclose the details.  Let's just say that plan A is in place, and will do until I can work out a better plan B.

Adrian

 

ISSUES

Pops is still working 12-hour shifts until further notice.  This is a problem for me, because Angela gets out of school at 3 PM.  She isn't bussed, and I will already be at work by the time she is dismissed.  Matthew couldn't give me any information on how long he will be working like this, etc.  I need to make arrangements, and I don't want to go to my supervisors without any concrete information.  She's 8 years old, and too young to walk home, especially for such a long distance. 

Some of the people at my church aren't faring to well.  I offered my assistance to anyone who needs it, and I went to visit an older member at her home this morning.  She didn't need anything but company and prayer.  Some people I know are in good health, have all of the use of their limbs, all of their teeth, a job, medical insurance, live in a nice home, have a nice car and a beautiful family, and complain like the world is going to end.  The lady I went to visit (Sister Moore) has all kind of health issues (diabetes, heart problems, pain in her legs, etc.), family issues (both of her daughters are in prison, so she is trying to raise the 5 grandsons alone), and was STILL able to smile, and praise the Lord, despite her circumstances!  Ladies and gentlemen, that's the picture of true, God-given joy!

I am off tomorrow and Wednesday, thank you JESUS!  The kids are out of school, too, until further notice.  I am praying that Angela will be out of school until Matthew returns to his normal work schedule.  That doesn't seem likely, though, since Matt says that they are expected to work like this for at least three months, or until they can bring all of the intersections up again.

Adrian

 

IKE PART 6: IT'S OVER!

The power came on this morning! YAAAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!! LOL

I am in the process of cleaning up.  I have to pick up the tree branches and twigs in the back yard, put the trash out, wash the towels we used to soak up the water in the bedroom, and mop the floors. I already vacuumed the rug. I have to cook the meat that was potentially going bad.  And that wasn't much; only a pack of beef steaks and a bag of catfish nuggets I had in the freezer was affected; everything else is still good, thank Jesus!

The girls had a doctor's appointment scheduled today (second round of shots), but no one's in the office.  I left a message for them to call me back when they return so that I can reschedule.

After cleaning my house, I plan on going out and tackling those long gas lines.  I filled my gas tank before the storm hit, so I was fine.  I am down to a quarter now, though, so it's time to  fill it up again.

I haven't turned on the TV yet.  I am kind of burned out with storm coverage, you know?  When I get a chance, I'll probably put a movie on first, then watch more storm coverage.

I am praying for all of the families that have been hit really hard.  Believe me, I know what it is to have lost EVERYTHING and find yourself having to start all over again.  But I also know how awesome God is.  There is NOTHING that He can't do!  I am hoping that those who have been affected, if they haven't already, begun to recognize what's truly important in their lives.  Disasters have an uncanny ability to compel a person to re-examine their priorities.  That has happened to me, and I'll tell you, I have never enjoyed my life as much as I do now.  Material possessions can be replaced, but the things that remain after the devastation-your relationship with Jesus Christ, your family, and your character are eternal.  People who know this are truly free.  

I am hungry now.  LOL.  I have been on a fast since the storm hit, and I am ready to let loose!  Okay, I have to get back to making the house ready for the girls and husband to come home.  He's still out there, working 12-hour shifts, bringing home the bacon.  Looks like we are getting that clothes dryer that we needed really soon! LOL  God bless all of you that are reading this journal.  It's very difficult for me to complain and whine much.  Ask any blogger who has followed this journal since the beginning (I have been writing this since the aftermath of Katrina), and they can tell you how great a God I serve, and how good He has been to me and my family!  My heart is filled with peace, joy, and compassion.  And I am a strong black woman, LOL, but my strength comes from Him.  He cannot fail, so I am never afraid.  Be blessed, everyone!

Adrian        

 

IKE PART 5

Mom's power was turned on, and her water pressure returned to normal yesterday, thank the Lord.  My babies had a hot meal and a hot bath!  I did the right thing having them stay with my mom.  Pops wanted them to stay home and ride the storm out!  I am glad that I went with my gut (and my heart).  My mom may not be at her best, but she loves her grandchildren!  She'll do anything she can to take care of them. She prayed for those lights to come on, and they turned ON!!!! LOL

Our home still doesn't have power.  However, the back end of the community has power, so I expect that, if not tonight, the power will be on tomorrow.  The girls don't have to go back to school until Thursday, or until the power is restored to the building.  I have gas, though, water, and HOT water, so I can bathe and cook.  I'm happy.

One of the guys who maintains the subdivision went around surveying the damages.  They are going to get this place back into shape in no time.  I cannot put into words how nice this area that I live in is.  And I am grateful, because this is just the kind of place we needed to be in.  We aren't ready for our own house yet, but this neighborhood offers all of the comforts of a home, with apartment-like amenities (maintenance crew, etc.).  It truly was a blessing for us to get in here.

It's still a "free" day at work.  We can use the computer, park on the third level, etc.  I am off tomorrow and Wednesday, though, so things will probably return to normal when I get back. 

I am very impressed with the way the city of Houston has, and is handling the storm's aftermath.  There is NONE of the chaos and confusion that you saw with Katrina.  All operations are organized, and everyone involved knows what is going on.  There are hundreds of utility trucks that have been sent in to the area to help put the power back on, and clear storm debris.  The governor, mayor, senators and city council had to get FEMA's mind right!!!! LOL  And they are NOT putting up with busybody journalists and drama-queen politicians who attempt to make more of unfortunate isolated incidents then need be.  Mayor White is a good leader.  With all of the responsibility that he has to shoulder, he handles it very, very well.  I am always hearing him encouraging his citizens to be patient and courteous on the TV and the radio, and it seems to be working, because everyone here seems to be calm and levelheaded.  There are a few folks who are losing patience and flipping their lids, but nothing like what happened in New Orleans.  The people of Texas enjoy a blessed existence; there is wealth here, with few signs of depravity.  A native New Orleanian is acquainted with depravity all too well.

I was also impressed with the way that Airport Operations had taken care of this airport during the storm.  They maintained this place as they would have if it were their own home.  Everyone is walking around here looking all scraggly and crazy, LOL, but they managed to protect their, and our, livelihood.  

There is major devastation here that cannot be ignored.  FEMA finally rolled in with supplies, and other agencies, such as the Red Cross, faith-based organizations (CHUCH (church), LOL) and residents that are able to help organized themselves to assist in the relief effort.   It will take months, maybe even years, for the coastal cities to rebound, but Texans are a resilient people; I am more than certain that they will.

Adrian 

IKE PART 4: FLOOD!!!!

Although there is no power at my house, I went home and lit the oil lantern, put batteries in my radio, and went to sleep.  I was awakened at about 5:30-6 AM to very loud thunder and lightning.  When I looked out of the window, there was water everywhere.  We were flooded in!  I was very scared, because Pops wasn't home yet.  There were countless calls on the radio station from frantic Texans who were surprised to wake up to water in their homes, drivers stuck on the roadways and freeway because the exits and feeder roads were flooded, and even children who were frightened because of the rain and rising water.  

I called mom first, then Matt (who was on the way home), and the job to tell them that I probably wasn't going to be able to get to work today.  My co-worker told me that many of my other co-workers were flooded in, too, and couldn't make it to work.

When Matt came home, he pulled our cars up to higher ground.  I went back to sleep with him, and silently prayed for it to stop raining.  That heavy rain came out of nowhere.  We thought that the storm was over, but, just like Katrina, the aftermath of the storm can be much worse.  

It was about 10:30-11 AM when the rain finally stopped.  The flood waters didn't get into our home at all, thank the Lord (except for the water leaking from the gutters issue; the carpet by our window is still wet).  The three of us, one of my bachelor neighbors across from me, Ms. Lechter (a 67 y/o white lady who gets around better than I do! LOL), and I walked around pulling branches from the middle of the street and clearing the storm ducts so that the water could drain out.  I was able to get to work today, safely, and on time!

Pops has to pull a 12-hour shift today, and will probably have to do so until the power is up again, and all of the street lights are working.  We are still expected to be without power for awhile.  Mom and the girls aren't holding up too well.  I'm not off until Tuesday, but I will probably head down  there Monday night after work to make sure that they are straight.  I may have to bring Mom home with us, or try and find a hotel that has power for them to stay in for a few days.  We don't have power, but we do have gas and running water.  She doesn't have any of those things, and the situation at her house is bordering on the unsanitary.

Some official in Galveston was on the news fussing angrily because he was frustrated about the long wait for FEMA to bring help.  After three years and a new director, you would think that FEMA has their act together by now.  Damn shame.     

Adrian  

 

IKE PART 3

Pops went to work at about 1:30.  He texted a message to me telling me to check the house, if I am going home today.  We still didn't have any power when he left.

Mom says that they have low water pressure, and can't use the bathroom.  The city is operating on one water pump.  Since the storm has passed us, they are working on bringing the employees back to work to start the other pump.

Kemah, Galveston, Galveston Bay and other coastal cities in Texas are under water.  Most of the hurricane damage is there.  Houston, however, still suffered a lot of structural damage.  The Louisiana coast also suffered some major damage and flooding.  This wasn't as powerful as originally expected, but still a devastating storm in any instance.  There were some deaths, and some people actually had to be rescued from attics and rooftops.  

I probably have to stay here through tomorrow, and then I will probably be released Sunday evening.  There is still a lot of high water surrounding the airport, and many of us cannot leave even if we wanted to. After I have a chance to check out my own home, I will do an update.

Adrian

 

IKE PART 2

Galveston has suffered some heavy damage.  Many cities here are flooded.  There is a lot of debris (tree limbs, street signs, broken glass, etc.) in the roads.  Some of the high rises in downtown Houston have suffered some heavy wind damage.  We are still here, in the call center, hanging tough.  I had gotten some sleep last night, so my supervisor told me to clock in this morning to help out.  We still have power, but the air isn't on.  We have fans blowing, the lights have been turned off, but we still have TV.  AT & T has limited personal cell phone use to texting only.  That's how I have been communicating with Matt.  The power went out at home and at mom's house at about 3 or 4 AM, and the city expects that it will be at least two weeks before power is restored to all homes in the Houston area. 

Nicolette had gotten scared last night, and had to talk to her daddy on the phone until she could go to sleep.  The two little ones slept through most of it.  I slept in my car last night (I have a sleeping bag, blankets, and two pillows), so I was pretty comfortable.  I am "fasting" right now.  I have food, but I will not eat unless I am really hungry, because the water pressure is low.  I remember what it was like in the Dome, where we all had to use those nasty bathrooms that weren't working.  The more you eat and drink, the more you have to go.  My body won't miss a day or two of meals.  The mayor also asked that we not bathe until they restore the water pressure.  I bought cleansing wipes to kind of help keep myself as clean and as fresh as possible during this time, and I went home last night before the weather had gotten too bad and took another bath, shaved EVERYTHING (LOL) and brushed my teeth.   

Pops has to go to work today, but the Mayor advised that he doesn't want anyone venturing out unless it's absolutely necessary.  He was supposed to go to work for 12, but says that he will probably make it there for 5.  By that time, the worst of the storm should be over with,  At this writing, the storm seems to be weakening, so things are pretty calm. 

The good news is that so far, there is only slight flooding in my neighborhood, but the houses aren't flooded.  The water that is getting into the house is coming from the gutters overflowing onto the bushes in front of our window, and the accumulation of water there.  And the power is still on here at the airport.  We will probably have to hang here for awhile, until things get back to normal.  At least after it is all over, we will be able to return to our homes this time. 

Adrian

HURRICANE IKE!

Well, Texas is dealing with another hurricane, and this one is expected to be much worse than Eduard was.  Pops (Matthew, LOL) and I are both essential employees, so we are here.  I am at the airport, and I am expected to stay for the entire weekend.  Pops is at home today, but will have to work the weekend, and his day starts really early tomorrow.  The girls are with my mom.  She enrolled herself and the girls in an emergency evacuation program, where in case they do have to leave, they have free transportation to shelters further inland.

I have my "house" packed in the trunk of my car; I expect to be pretty comfortable.  We were really prepared this time.  We should be, with all that we've been through with Katrina!  LOL  However, I am not feeling like this storm will be as bad as Katrina was.  We will have some damages, that's for sure, but at least we will be able to return home after it is all over.

I made sure that I was clean, packed well, tied up all of my loose ends, and spent the rest of the morning making love to my husband.  Before Katrina hit, Matthew and I had a HUGE fight.  I didn't have a chance to tell him goodbye, and that I loved him (My mom, the girls and I stayed in the Superdome, and he rode the storm out with his family in his mother's home until the flood waters rose too high for them to stay there safely any longer).  We had taken each other for granted then, but when we were reunited over a week after Katrina hit, I was so happy to hear his voice, that I cried bitterly.  I hated the fact that I had wasted so much valuable time being angry with him for something that I cannot even remember now.  And I vowed that day that if there ever was a next time, and if I had the chance, I would make sure that I let him know how much I love him, how glad I am that he is mine, and how eager I am to see him again.  There is no question in his mind today, that's for sure!  I made sure of it.

On the way to work today, it looked like a ghost town.  Everyone that was able to do so evacuated.  The city officials wasted no  time in making sure that there was no one left here that didn't have to be.  At the time of this writing, the coastal areas are getting hit pretty hard.  Only time will tell how bad this will be for all of us.  We have no flights scheduled for the weekend, and they already issued a media message to the information line, discouraging many passengers from calling us unless it is absolutely necessary.  We still have some 24 to 48 hours of this to go.  But I am not worried; God is with me.  He was with me through Katrina, and He is with me now.  We will be fine, no matter how this turns out.

I will probably write an update later.  It's a free day for us; we can use the internet, and we parked our vehicles in covered parking today.  I am glad that we all are safe, at least for now.

Adrian